But, I take it,
you gentlemen are better off than I in one respect. You've got
situations--something to do."
"Yes, but on starvation pay," said Clapp. "I'm in the office of the
'Centreville Gazette.'"
"And I'm in a shoemaker's shop. It's a beastly business for a young
man of spirit," said Luke.
"Well, I'm a gentleman at large, living on my wits, and pretty poor
living it is sometimes," said the stranger. "As I think we'll agree
together pretty well, I'm glad I've met you. We ought to know each
other better. There's my card."
He drew from his pocket a highly glazed piece of pasteboard, bearing
the name,
FREDERICK B. KENSINGTON.
"I haven't any cards with me," said Clapp, "but my name is John
Clapp."
"And mine is Luke Harrison," said the bearer of that appellation.
"I'm proud to know you, gentlemen. If you have no objection, we'll
walk on together."
To this Clapp and Luke acceded readily. Indeed, they were rather
proud of being seen in company with a young man so dashing in manner,
and fashionably dressed, though in a pecuniary way their new
acquaintance, by his own confession, was scarcely as well off as
themselves.
"Where are you staying, Mr. Kensington?" said Clapp.
"At the hotel. It's a poor place. No style."
"Of course not. I can't help wondering, Mr. Kensington, what can
bring you to such a one-horse place as this.
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